Benefits of an indoor herb garden

If you live in an apartment block or, have a tiny garden and would love to start your own herb garden, we have good news for you: don’t allow either of these factors to deter you. You really can create your own herb garden indoors – all you need is a sunny balcony or, an unused space on your naturally-lit kitchen counter.

01/11/2017

Creating your very own herb garden really is that simple not to mention incredibly rewarding. The benefits are innumerable, from enjoying more flavourful food, to lower grocery costs as well as it being a wonderful way to teach your children about nature and caring for a garden.

Store bought dried herbs can be justified – but only for a short period of time. Sadly, these nifty little bottles of herbs do enjoy a really short shelf life. So, if you can’t smell these anymore, it’s time to throw out. Truth be told however, that some dried herbs do keep better than others. Perfect examples of these include woody herbs like rosemary, oregano and thyme. Basil, chives and other soft, tender herbs however, end up losing their flavour much quicker. Growing your own herb garden means that you no longer need to quite literally, throw money into the rubbish bin.

With the festive season nearly upon us, Garden Master together with Margaret Roberts have collaborated to bring you their very own fresh herb seeds collection. This collection introduces 10 brand new seed types to the public some of which include basil, chives and coriander.

"We specifically tailored these to suit on the go gardeners and garden enthusiast who would like to enjoy growing a quaint herb garden in the comfort of their own homes. Herbs are the most grateful plants to grow both outdoor or indoor," said Chane Hendricks, Garden Master’s Business Manager.

"The trick to start growing an indoor herb garden is to be aware of each herbs’ requirements. Always ensure that there is sufficient natural light where they are placed. Choose a site that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Most herbs need plenty of sunshine in order to grow and reach their full potential," she said.

Here are some useful tips to ensure a flourishing indoor herb garden:

1. Allow for sufficient natural light

2. Water feeds should always be slow and thorough. Be sure to allow the water to drain out, as the roots will rot if they sit in water

3. Use the best herb pots. Garden Master has an extensive range of pots with sufficient drainage holes

4. Grow each herb in its own pot – most indoor herbs do well indoors, if you are comfortable with the weather temperature, they will be too. Basil is the one herb that doesn’t enjoy a cool breeze for ongoing periods of time

5. Be specific in selecting the correct soil, such as Garden Master’s organic potting soil

6. Feed your herbs fertiliser

7. Ensure that your herb pots enjoy sufficient ventilation. Give pots a weekly rinse in the sink

(source: http://howtoculinaryherbgarden.com/indoor-herb-garden/)

You should be able to see some seedlings form from as early as four days after planting your seeds with others taking up to sixty days before they are ready for consumption.

For more garden related articles and to share ideas with other passionate gardeners and cooks visit www.gardenmaster.co.za or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GardenMasterFan/